Sunday, March 2, 2014

TOW # 20 The Great Wave off Kanagawa By: Katsushika Hokusai

My goals are for this tow would be to have a strong introduction and to have detailed explanations as to why I have chosen those points to focus on during the analysis. I would like my TOW to flow better and for it to have a logical direction and for it not to be a jumble of words. The TOW should also contain a high level of diction as it is about on e of the most famous pieces of Japanese art. 

The Great Wave off Kanagawa is one of the most famous pieces of Japanese art, and also one of the most recognizable pieces of art. People from all over the world will know this piece. They may not know the exact name for the piece, but they do now that it is from a Japanese mastermind. Created by Katsushika Hokusai, this piece is actually supposed to be along side thirty-six other pieces. All of the art pieces are wood blocks that were created to show Mount Fuji, a national icon, to the world. During this time period Japan was under a lot of stress. They were either going to modernize and try and keep up with the western world. Or they were going to run the risk of getting invaded by one of the western powers. This piece was meant to show determination in the face of adversity and the beauty of Japan.

The Great Wave off Kanagawa may seem like a giant wave destroying two fishermen fishing, but this is not the case. The context of the fishermen is that they are trying to get food to the Kanagawa prefecture where they would make their money. Katsushika Hokusai wanted to create these characters in order to show the Japanese people that they need to grow stronger and learn to adapt and beat back the wave. The artist did not want his country to fall into the Imperialist nation’s hands; he wanted Japan to be independent and strong. Mr. Hokusai also creates makes a sense of national pride by create the backdrop of the scene of Mount Fuji.

         Mr. Hokusai wanted the Japanese people to take pride in their national treasures. Since the Imperialist nations were going around and taking over countries he felt that it was important for the Japanese people to be reassured that they are also a powerful nation. The backdrop to the great wave is a picture of Mount Fuji. At the time many people who had come to visit Japan believed that to be one of its many beauties. Playing on this belief Mr. Hokusai used Mount Fuji to appeal to pathos and fuel the idea of nationalism into the Japanese people. He wanted the people to strong and ready to defend against Imperialist powers.

One of the most recognizable paintings The Great Wave off Kanagawa strikes a chord with many Japanese people. The piece is both a reminder of how far the Japanese have come. By using an example of fisherman fighting the great wave in order to provide for their families to show endurance Hokusai shows the Japanese that they to can fight against the imperialist nations. Finally using Mount Fuji as a backdrop elucidates to the people that they have beautiful things in their country and things that are worth being proud. A piece that transcends time The Great Wave off Kanagawa the piece will surely be remembered for years to come.


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